Worship at Grace International Church turned chaotic Friday when a fire broke out mid-prayer, sending six people scrambling to escape as smoke and flames rose on the west side of Indianapolis near the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. A passerby spotted the danger, rushed to the door and knocked, alerting those inside. The parishioners slipped out through a side exit while others grabbed their phones and called 911. Fire crews from Indianapolis, the Speedway Fire Department and Wayne Township converged on the scene, and a second alarm was sounded to bring in extra personnel.
Grace International, an Ethiopian- and Eritrean-focused congregation, began operating in 2018 and meets at 3730 W. 16th St., according to Grace International Church. The ministry’s mission is to preach the gospel and serve Ethiopian and Eritrean communities across the Indianapolis area.
Fire Response And What Officials Said
Multiple 911 callers told dispatchers they could see flames licking at the roof, and the Speedway Fire Department later said the blaze had taken hold in the building’s interior layered ceiling. Officials also noted that roof work had been done earlier in the day, and a second alarm was requested to beef up manpower at the scene. Those details were reported by WISH-TV.
